SIG Unveils MG 338 at SHOT Show 2020
In the world of crew-served, belt-fed weapons, the new SIG MG 338 stands alone. Lightweight, soft-shooting, and incredibly hard-hitting, this new SIG MMG is in a class of its own. The combination of .338 Norma Magnum and the special reciprocating recoil mitigation system, makes the ultra long-range weapon without the recoil normally associated with it.
This author had a chance to fire a few rounds through one at SIG’s premier media range day in Las Vegas during SHOT Show 2020. I can say from personal experience that it’s incredibly effective at curbing felt recoil.
This is due to the fact that the SIG MG338’s recoil system move the entire barrel assembly rearward with the recoil impulse against a very strong buffer spring. So while there is certainly a strong push, it doesn’t snap rapidly backwards like a featherweight hunting rifle or 12 gauge shotgun firing slugs.Â
The muzzle is threaded to standard 5/8x24mm, and ships with a QD mount for SIG’s LMG suppressor. This is very effective as reducing sound signature. However, it by no means makes the weapon hearing safe.
To make sure the gun cycles reliably with a suppressor installed (and under a variety of conditions) the MG 338 features an adjustable gas system. So gunners can dial their system for use with a can, or simply to counteract an extraordinarily dirty weapon.
Behind the gas system, the SIG features a quick detach barrel system that with a push of a button and a turn of the handle, releases the barrel from a cam-lock. This is critical for sustained use, as overheating machine guns can either seize up or catastrophically fail.Â
Further back, the SIG LMG uses a very interesting feed system. Unlike most traditional belt-fed weapons, the belt from the MG 338 cna be directly fed into the chamber without a spoon. Additionally, the MG 338 features a magazine well that retains the ammo box, and releases it with a push of a button.Â
Check out the full press release here – SIG Full Press Release And if shooters want to know more about this, and the dozens of great SIG products, head over to https://www.sigsauer.com/
Jim is a freelance writer, editor, and videographer for dozens of publications who loves anything and everything guns. While partial to modern military firearms and their civilian counterparts, he holds a special place in his heart for the greatest battle implement ever devised and other WW2 rifles. When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.